iJapan Folk Crafts Museum
The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Nihon Mingeikan) was founded in 1936 by philosopher and critic Yanagi Soetsu, who coined the term "mingei" (folk craft) to celebrate the beauty of everyday, anonymously made objects. Housed in a traditional Japanese building with a Meiji-era gate relocated from Tochigi, the museum holds around 17,000 works, including ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, and woodwork from Japan and abroad. Rotating special exhibitions occupy the main galleries alongside a smaller display of the permanent collection. The adjoining West Building, Yanagi's former residence, opens to visitors on limited days.
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What's On
New Works Competition and Exhibition 2026
The museum's annual juried competition and sale of new handicrafts by contemporary makers, spanning ceramics, textiles, woodwork, lacquer, glass, metal, bamboo, straw and paper.
Yanagi Soetsu: The Collecting Story (90th Anniversary)
90th-anniversary show on how museum founder Yanagi Soetsu collected the folk crafts that make up the Mingeikan.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
4-3-33 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan
Nearest station: Komaba-Todaimae Station (Keio Inokashira Line)
Show on mapHours
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:00 |
| SunToday | 10:00–17:00 |
Admission
From ¥1,500
Students ¥800; junior high and elementary students free; disabled visitors and one companion ¥750 each; groups of 20+ get reduced rates.
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Visitor Information
- How much does Japan Folk Crafts Museum cost?
- Standard adult admission to Japan Folk Crafts Museum is ¥1,500. Students ¥800; junior high and elementary students free; disabled visitors and one companion ¥750 each; groups of 20+ get reduced rates.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Japan Folk Crafts Museum?
- Japan Folk Crafts Museum is open Open Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30). Closed Mondays (unless a national holiday, in which case check the calendar), between exhibition changeovers, and over New Year. The West Building (Yanagi Soetsu's former residence) opens only on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday and Saturday of each exhibition period, 10:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Japan Folk Crafts Museum?
- Japan Folk Crafts Museum is located at 4-3-33 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan, in the Komaba, Meguro area of Tokyo. The nearest station is Komaba-Todaimae Station (Keio Inokashira Line).
- What can I see at Japan Folk Crafts Museum?
- A quiet Meguro house-museum of handmade mingei crafts, founded by philosopher Yanagi Soetsu in 1936. Current highlights include Yanagi Soetsu: The Collecting Story (90th Anniversary), The Permanent Collection and New Works Competition and Exhibition 2026.
- Do I need to book Japan Folk Crafts Museum in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Japan Folk Crafts Museum?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Image credits
3
- Japan Folk Crafts MuseumKamemaru2000 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- The Permanent CollectionCourtesy of Japan Folk Crafts Museum
- New Works Competition and Exhibition 2026Courtesy of Japan Folk Crafts Museum